Our Team

Meaghan Davis

She/her/hers

Meaghan Davis is the Founder of The BRAVE Institute. She first established BRAVE, formerly known as BRAVE Girls Leadership Inc., in the Spring of 2013 while working as a social studies teacher in Connecticut. Meaghan attended the University of Connecticut for both her undergraduate degrees in History and Education, as well as her graduate studies in Education, Feminist Studies, Nonprofit Management, Peace Studies and the Human Right to Education. Her experiences with teaching and learning have had a profound and rewarding impact on her life and has further developed her genuine belief in the transformative power of education and leadership for social justice. Meaghan truly believes in the positive power of humans and she is determined to help humans discover their best self and realize their own full potential. She continues to be inspired everyday by the words, actions and stories of courageous people from around the world. Meaghan is fiercely dedicated to living BRAVE and bringing the BRAVE mission to life.

AREEJ NITOWSKI

Areej Nitowski is Co-Advisor of the Sedgwick Middle School Program within BRAVE Girls Leadership Inc. Areej became more involved in the program in 2014. During this time, she has been amazed by the energy and positive influence BRAVE has given so many girls and young women. She has worked as a 7th grade science teacher at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford, CT since 2010. Prior to teaching, Areej spent 20 years as a life scientist in academia, biotech and pharma research. She received her BS in Biochemistry and MS in Toxicology at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. Areej is a proud SU Orange basketball fan, even while living in Connecticut. She is a strong believer that public education is the main way to influence young people. Areej is thrilled to see the enthusiasm that BRAVE has inspired within so many girls and young women, and is eagerly anticipating more success with the organization.

ADAM NEMEROFF

Adam is an Instructional Designer at Dartmouth College. At Dartmouth, Adam works with faculty on projects and initiatives related to student learning. He has experience working in educational technology, instructional design and curriculum support, computer support, web design, and social media. Adam is a graduate from the Secondary Social Studies teaching program at the UConn Neag School of Education. Adam also serves on the Lebanon School Board in Lebanon, NH.

Andrea McDermotT

she/her/hers

Andrea McDermott is excited to continue supporting the impactful work of BRAVE. In the past, she began working with BRAVE as the AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer in the 2017 fiscal year. Since then, she has served as a Board Director, Treasurer, and headed the Development and Advancement Committee. Andrea enjoys making music, being outside, and watching HGTV in her free time. She believes that if we all use our talents to help our communities, the world would be a better place.

Mar Amador

They/them/theirs

Mar is an intern with The BRAVE Institute. They have been involved with BRAVE for several years now, and continue to return due to the welcoming and loving sense of family BRAVE has given them. Mar hopes to provide all members an equal amount of love and support so that they may too find a home within BRAVE. Mar seeks to make the world a better place each day by speaking up for others and encouraging respect for all humans. They are currently studying Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut and hope to one day become a child advocate.

michelle voong

she/her/hers

Michelle is a graduate student at UConn working towards a Masters in Computer Science and Engineering. She joined the BRAVE team in Fall 2017. During this time, she has helped develop and rebrand the website as well as present at BRAVE’s annual conference on Combating Human Trafficking with Artificial Intelligence. Michelle is interested in how technology can be used for social good and change. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career combining her computer science skills and desire to promote and protect human rights. In her free time, Michelle enjoys reading and riding her bike!